A Summary of Wave Data Needs and Availability.
Abstract
The paper consists of three parts. First is a summary of the wave data needs of three classes of maritime interests: (a) designers of ships and floating and fixed offshore platforms, (b) regulatory bodies and classification societies primarily interested in safety and environmental protection, and (c) operators concerned with ship routing and offshore activities such as oil and mineral recovery and energy production. The second part is a summary of the status of wave data, and the third part is a set of conclusions. The present wave data base to meet the developing needs of designers of ship and offshore structures, regulatory bodies, and operators is incomplete. To complete it using only in situ measurement methods such as buoys appears impractical. However, these do have important use in the collection of data for special areas of interest, particularly where severe seas are known to occur, and for verification and calibration of hindcast and satellite measurement techniques. The two most promising means of developing the required wave climatology appear to be (a) by hindcasting techniques and (b) by satellite observations. Hindcasting techniques, which can produce broadband directional spectra, are well advanced but require additional verification. Satellite techniques and hardware will not be available for some years. Visual observations by mariners continue; although these observations cannot provide quantitative (spectral) data, they are valuable for estimating long-term wave-height distribution. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA079444
Entities
People
- E. S. Dillon
- M. D. Burkhart
- O. H. Oakley
Organizations
- National Research Council